News, 3/29/2017

Figure skating world focuses on Finland

The first time Finland hosted the World Figure Skating Championships, the country was still a Grand Duchy in the Russian Empire. It was in 1914, three years before Finland gained its independence, and on the frozen surface of Helsinki’s North Harbour, Gösta Sandahl of Sweden was declared men’s singles champion.

Those were the days before the competitions for men, women and pairs were held at same venue. That year, for example, St Moritz, Switzerland played host to the ladies’ contest and the pairs event. In 1952, the International Skating Union added ice dancing to the World Championships repertoire, creating a four-event extravaganza. From March 29 to April 2, 2017, the World Figure Skating Championships take place in Helsinki again, this time at Hartwall Arena, with competitors from more than 30 countries.